District of South Dakota Issues 2013 Annual Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2014

Contact: Ace Crawford
605-341-1915

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced the release of the 2013 Annual Report for the District of South Dakota. Despite federal budget cuts and staff reductions due to sequestration, significant accomplishments were achieved in 2013.

Human trafficking continues to be an area of high priority, and the report highlights several successful prosecutions. In 2013, many of the office’s most heinous sex trafficking cases were closed, with one defendant being sentenced to three life sentences. Three more defendants received sentences of 33½ years, 30 years, and 10 years. Also in 2013, 11 more people were indicted on sex trafficking and related charges, and others were convicted and scheduled for sentencing. The success recognized in 2013 is due in large part to the tremendous collaboration and support of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners who investigate the leads and help build the cases against these perpetrators.

In addition, the report highlights the achievements in other high priority areas, such as ongoing initiatives to make tribal communities safer, enhanced community outreach efforts, progress in the areas of victim’s rights and advocacy, and an overview of the work performed by the Civil and Appellate Divisions.